Winter Weather Webinar Available to KLC Insurance Members

The Kentucky League of Cities presented its H.E.L.P. (Home for Education in Loss Prevention) Winter Hazard Alert webinar to help workers stay safe in cold temperatures. Dr. W. Jon Williams, a senior research physiologist in the research branch of the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, led the event.

Williams said approximately 700 people die yearly from hypothermia in the United States, and 37% of those deaths are work-related. He said humans maintain a constant body temperature across various environmental temperatures.

Air motion, also known as wind chill, significantly impacts the physiological response to cold. Williams said wind chill reduces the time a person can spend out in the cold before receiving injury. Cold stress can induce several physiological responses to conserve and generate heat. The overall result is that core body temperature is maintained. A significant decrease in core body temperature may be dangerous or even fatal if not mitigated.

Early stages of hypothermia include shivering, fatigue, loss of coordination, confusion, and disorientation. Williams said the signs may be treated with basic first aid techniques and removal from the cold to a warm area. If someone is experiencing any of these symptoms, request medical assistance immediately. Do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes; immerse those areas in warm water. Warm any affected areas using body heat, not a heating pad, heat lamp, stove, or other device. Never rub or massage the frostbitten area.

Methods to prevent hypothermia include:

Wearing appropriate clothing. Protecting the ears, face, hands, and feet. Moving into warm locations during breaks. Carrying cold weather gear. Including a thermometer and chemical hot packs in your first aid kit. Avoiding touching cold metal surfaces with bare skin. Monitoring your physical condition.

“Focusing on safety is our main goal for our members and their employees,” KLC Loss Control Director Aaron Parrish said. “This webinar provides excellent information to help employees and employers understand how cold weather can take a toll on those working outside during cold winter temperatures and help them stay warm and be safe. KLC is proud to provide this valuable information to our members.

H.E.L.P. webinars are free for all KLC Property and Casualty Insurance customers. Are you a KLC insurance customer? Contact KLC Director of Loss Control Aaron Parrish to find out.